I remember a simpler time when swapping out dead batteries for fresh ones wasn't a requirement to play a console game, never having to worry about how much juice was left and whether or not I'd make it to the next crucial save-point before they went belly up. Don't get me wrong - I've truly fallen in love with wireless gaming, but paying the price for this luxury tends to build up some unnecessary tension (and not to mention mountains of dead batteries, who bravely gave their lives for the highest score). Rechargeables are fine for some, but those looking for something a bit more complimentary to the aesthetic of their new console should take a close look at Nyko's Wii Charge Station.

Fixing a problem that someone got past Nintendo's quality control elves, Nyko's elegant and surprisingly affordable battery-charge solution seems like a no-brainer. Inside the flaps of its comprehensive package (and what a package!) lay the simple solution to endless battery swaps and discarded alkaline victims. One double-decker, outlet powered charge dock, two rechargeable battery packs and two custom battery covers are all that you'll need to enhance the Nintendo Wii experience, and maybe keep the inevitable all-night Wii Sports party going well into the night.

With its attractive white-design that neatly mimics the Wii console itself, the Charge Station set-up won't be the ghastly eyesore that most third-party solutions tend to be. Just pop the snug-fitting rechargeable battery packs into one (or two) of the stock Wiimote controllers and after the initial charge (less than 2 hours), you'll be good to go for at least 25 hours of non-stop waggle action. Extremely bright (maybe too bright) blue/green LED lights will let you know when the pack's full for easy access. Subsequent charge times tended to be less secure, with a full-charge taking anywhere from 4-8 hours time for maximum capacity. A bit odd, but when you consider the appropriate action is to place the Wimote into the Charge Station's cradle when not in use, it might never even become an issue. For the rest of us (lazy types), just remember to cradle your remotes now and then unless you're good with waiting.

Little touches, such as the unique grips on the covers themselves, add a few nice surprises to what should be a straightforward package and add real value. For a console whose entire default setup is wireless, Nyko’s Nintendo Wii Charge Station Package makes it the ideal hardware to compliment your little white box. Although that brings to question the lack of a Nintendo-branded solution, Nyko's version will do just fine for now and, truthfully, I won't be going back to using standard batteries anytime soon. With a price that's right and given the fact it comes with everything right out of the box, it's not hard to imagine Wii owners everything scooping this charger up for themselves. Plus, there's bonus battery-pack covers available for even more customization - what's not to love? Kudos, Nyko!